This Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, former junior middleweight champion Joachim Alcine, 35, will hit the crossroads of his long career. He faces a returning 22-year-old middleweight puncher, David Lemieux (25-1, 24KOs), for the WBC's International title. Lemieux himself has a lot to prove, returning for the first time since an April knockout loss to Marco Antonio Rubio.

Alcine (32-2-1, 19KOs) has been on a rocky road, getting knocked out by Alfredo Angulo in one round last July and then going to an eight round draw with 14-9 Jose Medina in August. He views the opportunity with Lemieux as a do-or-die situation.

“In life, you’ve got to suffer to make it, and I’ve done a lot of suffering in my life. This fight means everything. It will open doors. Trust me, I’ll just open the door and get Lemieux’s spot. I have to win, but I’m ready and my mind’s set,” Alcine told the Montreal Gazette.

Alcine has a new trainer, Los Angeles-based Anthony Wilson, who believes his new fighter has the experience and the ability to beat the heavily favored Lemieux.

“I’ve worked on (Alcine’s) speed, because speed is power,” Wilson explained. “I don’t want him using just one shot when he can land four, five or six. I’ve worked on his foot and head movement. I’ve made a few adjustments in his timing and rhythm. Lemieux’s young and not experienced. And his corner doesn’t have my experience. Alcine’s an easy listener and a great learner. He’s almost too perfect.”